Senior Optical Systems Engineer

G&H (Gooch & Housego); Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Part of a globally recognized photonics leader

Variety and technical depth in role

Contribution to worldwide marketed products

Job summary

G&H (Gooch & Housego) is seeking a Senior Design Engineer and Team Leader in Torquay, UK to develop advanced fibre-optic sub-systems. This role involves leading a small team, engaging with customers, and managing the technical development from concept to production.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Engineering or Physics, expertise in fibre-optics and optical amplifiers, and the ability to manage projects effectively while communicating with stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• Current or recent experience in the optics/photonics industry.
• Commercial experience developing fibre-optic or laser products.
• Hands-on experience building and testing fibre-optic components.
• Ability to generate proposals and manage technical and financial aspects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of fibre-optic sub-systems.
• Manage small project teams to deliver projects on time.
• Engage directly with customers on specifications and results.
• Conduct prototype builds and testing.

Skills

Optical amplifiers knowledge

Fibre-optics expertise

Team leadership

Project management experience

Effective communication

Education

Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Senior Design Engineer & Team Leader – Optics and Fibre Optics R&D

G&H is a global leader in optical design, testing and manufacturing with 75+ years of photonics innovation.

Job Type & Location

Full‑time, Torquay, UK.

Opportunity

You will develop advanced fibre‑optic sub‑systems, including high‑power fibre‑optic amplifier sub‑systems, from early concept and prototyping through to early‑stage production. Working typically across TRL3 to TRL7, you will lead technical development, manage a small team, and remain hands‑on with design, prototype build, testing and customer engagement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing technical leadership in the design and development of fibre‑optic sub‑systems, including high‑power optical amplifiers.
• Leading and managing small project teams to deliver on time and within budget.
• Working closely with optical, mechanical and electronic engineers in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Taking an active role in prototype build and assembly, including fibre‑optic splicing, mechanical/electrical assembly and opto‑electronic testing.
• Developing and executing test plans for functional and environmental verification.
• Engaging directly with customers—negotiating specifications, presenting results and shaping technical direction.
• Building strong internal networks across G&H’s global technical and commercial teams.
• Delivering technical reviews and producing clear, concise management reports.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree or PhD/EngD in Engineering or Physics with an optics, photonics or fibre‑optics focus.
• Current or recent experience in the optics/photonics industry.
• Commercial experience developing fibre‑optic or laser products.
• Strong knowledge of optical amplifiers (ideally high‑power), fibre‑optics and photonics.
• Hands‑on experience building and testing fibre‑optic components, systems or opto‑electronic modules.
• Team leadership or project management experience.
• Ability to generate proposals and manage both technical and financial aspects of development projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting to customers and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Part of a globally recognised photonics leader with a 75‑year heritage.
• Work on technologies used worldwide, from the Moon to the ocean floor.
• Join a thriving local cluster of high‑tech innovators in Torbay.
• Enjoy a role with real influence, variety and technical depth.
• Contribute to products that are marketed worldwide and shape future industries.

*Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but to define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Employees may be required to undertake other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.*

*The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.*

*Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may limit the roles you are eligible to perform based on nationality, prior nationalities and place of birth.*

*All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting, typically for applicants who have been continuously resident in the UK for the past five to ten years.*